Welcome Letter - Pride in the Park 2017

Posted on June 09, 2017

Dear Friends,

Triangle Community Center (TCC) is delighted to welcome you to this year's Pride in the Park. Today our community is more important than ever as we face real challenges and uncertain times. I often find myself thinking of TCC's story and that of the LGBTQ community as we move forward together. That story is one of hope in the face of adversity; love and community, and of pride.

When a group of volunteers founded our center in 1990, they cared passionately about the LGBTQ community. These were people who had lived through the AIDS crisis, who lost loved ones and friends. They were parents of LGBTQ people whose only wish was that their children would be loved and accepted because they were born perfect. They were from every walk of life and of every background. When these volunteers founded TCC, they created a safe space for the LGBTQ community to thrive. Much later, we brought on our first staff. Through them and the tireless work of more volunteers and donors, we created our case management program, helping LGBTQ people in need, and building out Pride in the Park to celebrate our community.

Our values of love, community, and hope have encouraged us as we help a young trans person get a bed to sleep on and a roof to sleep under as far too many of their peers lack a place to call home. Our compassion as a community leads us to have the resources we need to connect isolated LGBTQ older adults with opportunities to engage and thrive when otherwise they would have to confront isolation. We know that when you're part of a community, you're never alone. Our values have guided us. Our history tells us that our fight for dignity and equality is never easy, and the guidance of our founders tells us that we will overcome whatever obstacles we may face if we do so with hope and courage.

Pride is a demonstration of these values. Pride celebrates our unique and diverse identities. It sends a message of hope and persistence, and yes, of organizing. At TCC, you will always have a home and a safe space where you will be celebrated. The most important thing you should know is that at TCC and everywhere, you have power to change our world for the better. Pride is a time to remember that power and to celebrate it. We can't wait to see you here.